Subject details

Upon completion of this subject, you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following Degree Level Outcomes (CLOs):

  1. Analyse auditing and assurance related information
  2. View auditing and assurance services in an international context
  3. Compare the Australian auditing and assurance environment with the environment of other countries
  4. Be able to put the auditing and assurance framework in context
  5. Increase their knowledge base  pertaining to auditing and assurance services
  6. Display technical competence by being familiar with the underlying concepts, objectives and reporting requirements of the auditor
  7. Understand the tools that the auditor uses and a forensic accountant
  8. Appreciate the environment in which the auditor operates
  9. Understand practical audit procedures and fraud detection procedures
  10. Be able to analyse and identify appropriate audit actions which would be normally undertaken by an auditor
  11. Effectively communicate business information in the audit context, both in verbal and written form
  12. Understand the relationship between audit process, accounting standards, forensics and financial reports.

  • Topics

    • An Overview of Assurance and Forensic Services in Society
    • Crimes Act, other forensic regulations, and auditor's legal liability
    • The Auditor's and Forensic Accountant's Report
    • Audit Planning, Risk Assessment and Materiality
    • IT and Controls Environment
    • Designing Substantive Procedures
    • Substantive Procedures Application: Auditing Sales and Receivables
    • Fraud Detection and Analysis I
    • Fraud Detection and Analysis II
    • Financial Statement Fraud I
    • Financial Statement Fraud II
    • Completing the Audit

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Web links
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Standard Media

Entry Requirements

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this unit:

Special requirements

No special requirements

Please note: This subject was previously titled Assurance Services and Regulation.

This subject aims to develop practical skills and has a research emphasis building on the use of the existing body of knowledge in assurance services, forensics and regulation. The materials covered include professional pronouncements, research papers and audit and forensic literature.

The subject aims to develop both research and practical skills. You need to develop the ability to answer research and practical questions, which may require analytical and problem solving skills. An auditor and forensic accountant in undertaking an investigation requires these skills. Communication and presentation skills are expected to be enhanced both in written and verbal form. Teaching and assessment methods have been designed to encourage the development of these skills and you are expected to utilise these research skills in order to undertake the major research related activity, and to be able to satisfactorily complete the examination.

  • Online Quiz (20%)
  • Research Project (30%)
  • Invigilated Exam (50%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related Degrees

postgraduate RMI-PAC-MAS-2018

Master of Professional Accounting

postgraduate RMI-CPA-MAS-2018

Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension)